Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: What’s the Difference?

While they may look strikingly similar, there are many key differences between the Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky. But what might some of those differences be, and how can you learn how to tell these two dog breeds apart upon first glance?

In this article, we will address everything you need to know about Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Klee Kais so that you can get a full understanding of both breeds. We will go over their physical differences as well as their ancestral and behavioral differences. We will also address their lifespans and health concerns in case you are interested in bringing one of these lovely dogs into your family. Let’s get started!

Comparing Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky

Key Differences Between Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky

There are many key differences between Alaskan Klee Kais and Siberian Huskies. The Siberian Husky grows far larger than the Alaskan Klee Kai, in both height and weight. While the Alaskan Klee Kai may look like a Siberian Husky, it is in fact its own breed of dog. The Siberian Husky has a much thicker and fluffier coat compared to the fur of the Alaskan Klee Kai.

Let’s take a look at all of these differences in more detail now.

Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: Size

The primary difference between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky is their sizes. The Siberian Husky is far larger than the Alaskan Klee Kai in both size and weight. This is one of the main ways you can tell these two dog breeds apart upon first glance. Let’s take a look at the specific numbers in more detail now.

Siberian Huskies average anywhere from 20-24 inches tall, while Alaskan Klee Kais average 10-13 inches tall on average. Additionally, Alaskan Klee Kais come in three different sizes, while Siberian Huskies only come in one. However, Siberian Huskies still weigh far more than Klee Kais. The average Klee Kai weighs 6-25 pounds, while Siberian Huskies weigh 35-60 pounds.

Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: Appearance

There are some subtle physical and appearance differences between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Klee Kai. While both breeds come in the same colors, the Klee Kai has very distinct eye and facial markings compared to the markings of the Siberian Husky. However, these markings are one of the only ways to tell these dogs apart, besides their obvious size differences. Additionally, the coat of the Siberian Husky is thicker and fluffier compared to the coat of the Klee Kai.

Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: Ancestry and Breeding

A primary difference between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Klee Kai is their breeding and ancestral history. For example, the Siberian Husky originated in Asia before the 20th century, while the Klee Kai is a more modern breed that originated in the 1970s. However, the main difference between these breeds is what they were bred for to begin with.

Siberian Huskies are well-known for their working dog stamina and their ability to pull sleds, while Klee Kais do not do this. In fact, Klee Kais were originally bred to be a smaller version of the Siberian Husky, an ideal and compact companion animal compared to the large Siberian Husky.

Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: Behavior

There are some key behavioral differences between the Siberian Husky and the Klee Kai. On average, Siberian Huskies are much more friendly compared to the alert and focused Klee Kai. Because of this, Alaskan Klee Kais make better watch dogs compared to the happy and helpful Siberian Husky.

Both of these dogs require ample exercise to keep them focused, but the Siberian Husky is more cooperative and easier to train than the slightly stubborn Alaskan Klee Kai. However, they are both extremely intelligent and capable of learning a variety of things, so keep this in mind when deciding whether these breeds are right for you.

Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: Lifespan

A final difference between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Klee Kai is their lifespans. Given their size differences, the smaller Alaskan Klee Kai lives longer than the larger Siberian Husky overall. For example, the average Husky lives anywhere from 12-14 years, while the Klee Kai lives 13-16 years on average.

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